Patent · US Active

Catheter with variable stiffness

US8821478B2 · kind B2 · utility

9Cited by
231References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 2, 2012
Grant dateSep 2, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 27, 2032

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M2025/1079
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include an elongate inner member having a guidewire lumen extending therethrough. An outer member may be disposed about the inner member. An inflation lumen may be formed between the inner member and the outer member. The medical device may be configured to have a first stiffness when the inflation lumen is free of inflation media and a second stiffness different from the first stiffness when inflation media is disposed within the inflation lumen. In addition, the inner member may include a collapsible region that is configured to deflect radially inward when inflation media is disposed within the inflation lumen.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.